there are so many factors involved that I would say that normal doesn't really apply. The variables such as cause, serverity and stage of progression with all influence the treatment required.
Glue on eye patches are popular here they protect from dust, flies and the sun while the eye heals. If caught early I have found the ointment will work with a single application.
I think if the eye is no longer weeping you could probably discontinue treatment and just keep watch on the animal.
I have also been using a vaccine that seems to work really well. I only treat my calves once at marking time and haven't had a single case of pink eye in the 4 years I've used it, the year prior to starting on it I had about half of my weaners have some degree of the problem.